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One of the most beautiful historic properties in Northern Ireland.
DISCOVER HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE
illsborough Castle, one of the most beautiful historic properties in Northern Ireland, is currently undergoing a major project to
Htransform the castle and grounds whilst improving the experience for day visitors and event guests alike.
The venue will be made more accessible further enabling it to become a leading visitor destination in Northern Ireland offering a place for reflection and a chance to learn more about the area and its history.
Independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, who assumed responsibility for Hillsborough Castle in 2014, are undertaking the major transformation which is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
The project includes the creation of new visitor facilities and a dedicated Clore Learning Centre, as well as the re-presentation of the State Rooms including the Throne Room, Drawing Room and Staircase Hall to provide newly-conserved spaces for functions and events.
Initial works are underway, with Historic Royal Palaces pledging to open up the castle and grounds to the widest possible audience, whilst conserving the site’ s unique heritage and providing enjoyment, learning and participation opportunities.
A timeless venue
Hillsborough Castle boasts a rich history originally home to Wills Hill the first Marquess of Downshire and then Secretary of State for the Colonies, to its current role as official the official royal residence in Northern Ireland and residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The castle has a vibrant history of state dinners and summits, as well as royal garden parties and now guests can enjoy the same elegant spaces and professional service previously reserved for presidents and princesses by hosting their meeting or event here.
Be a party to our history
Located 20 minutes from Belfast, the castle’ s prestigious setting makes it a great base for all manner of corporate and private events. Hillsborough Castle offers a range of inspiring and versatile state rooms able to accommodate small meetings and large seminars or conferences of up to 130 delegates theatre style in the largest space, the Throne Room.
Product launches, drinks receptions, intimate celebrations, corporate away days and summer parties can all be hosted at the castle, available to hire exclusively for larger events of up to 250 guests.
Each of the state rooms offer an elegant, tranquil and welcoming atmosphere including the State Drawing Room, a large space which was once a library with terrace access offering views over the grounds.
This room can easily be combined with Lady Grey’ s Study, which can serve as a breakout space for larger events.
The State Dining Room, once the scene of countless state dinners, is a popular choice for dinners and corporate entertaining, while the intimate Red Room boasts a beautiful solid oak floor, impressive paintings from the Royal Collection and access to the gardens through a modern French window.
The castle’ s 96 acres of gardens, developed from the 1760s onwards, offer countless places to unwind, contemplate, socialise, seek inspiration and celebrate. The established marquee sites provide an ideal spot for drinks receptions, summer parties and weddings for up to 350 guests.
As part of an event, guests can take a stroll around the lake or along Yew Tree Walk’ s wide path, flanked by the lines of Irish Yew trees.
A number of spaces inside the castle, as well as the garden marquees, are licensed for religious or civil weddings and civil partnerships.
Debbie McCamphill, Visitor and Events Manager at Hillsborough Castle, says:“ The castle is a fantastic venue to host any kind of event. We are continuing to welcome clients to the venue for weddings, conferences and events throughout the duration of our exciting major project to transform the castle.
“ We are very lucky to be able to provide a venue that really sets the standard for memorable and elegant events, and we are looking forward to revealing the new-look Hillsborough Castle in 2019.”
In addition to Hillsborough Castle, Historic Royal Palaces also cares for the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace. Income raised from commercial activities including private and corporate events, is reinvested in conservation, public access and education activities to ensure the venues are well maintained and open for all to enjoy.